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Posts by Ed Pretty

I live in Langley, British Columbia. I completed a 36 year career as a firefighter, retiring as a Battalion Chief in 2006. Since then I have followed my avocation of wood turner full-time in my own shop. I learned to turn at the age of 9 from my father who was himself, a skilled turner. I have been turning now for over 55 years. I helped form the first wood turning guild in our area in 1988 and now a member of a second guild since 2007. Membership in these guilds has allowed me access to some of the most well-known turners in the world for hands-on classes and tutorials. I am also a member of the American Association of Woodturners (AAW).
I consider myself a maker of art with work presently in two galleries and pieces in collections as far afield as England, Texas and the Thai royal court. I also do custom architectural and commercial production work as well as unfinished contemporary forms for native artist Steve Smith in Vancouver, BC. I teach woodturning at Lee Valley Tools in Port Coquitlam, BC as well as demonstrate for our own woodturning guilds and other nearby woodworking guilds.
My other passion is motorcycle touring which has allowed my wife and me to visit all corners of Canada and the United States including Alaska. I write travel articles for Canadian Biker Magazine and now am very pleased to be writing posts for Craftsy.

Local woodturning guilds are the key to learning skills that at one time was almost lost. By joining a guild you can learn far more than you can on your own through books and videos. The bonus is making friendships with folks who enjoy the same passion. Learn more about joining a guild here.